Synology NAS storage devices have gained much popularity these days due to their stunning features. One can access the Synology NAS device on the network by accessing the Synology find URL via a web browser. This will make the device available on the Network section available under the Windows File Explorer tab. Just in case you are facing problems finding the same via this path, the information given in this article is reliable. Here, you will learn what to do if your Synology NAS doesn’t appear in Windows File Explorer.
Fixed: Synology NAS Doesn’t Appear in File Explorer
The troubleshooting techniques need to be implemented on the Synology NAS storage and your computer as well. Refer to the sections given below to know how to perform correct troubleshooting on both devices:
Troubleshooting on Synology NAS
1. Enable Windows Network Discovery
Is your NAS device running DSM 6.2 or more than that? Is your computer operating on Windows Vista or above? Just in case, you have nodded yes, then you must tick the option named Enable Windows Network Discovery to Allow File Access via SMB. This needs to be done at any of the locations listed below in DSM (Disk Station Manager):
- Go to Control Panel > File Services. After that, select WS-Discovery under the SMB tab for DSM 7.0.
- In the case of DSM 6.2, you need to select the Advanced tab under the File Services option and click the WS-Discovery option followed by that.
2. Enable Local Master Browser
In case your Synology NAS is operating the Disk Station Manager Version 6.1 or less, you need to Enable Local Master Browser. This can also be done if your computer is running an older version of Windows. You can do so at one of the following locations in DSM:
- Open the Control Panel and access File Services. Thereafter, click the SMB/AFP/NFS tab and find the Advanced Settings. This approach needs to be followed for Disk Station Manager Version 6.0 and 6.1.
- In case your NAS device is running DSM 5.2, you need to follow the path – Control Panel > File Services > Win/Mac/NFS tab. Lastly, locate the Advanced Settings under Windows File Service.
After following the troubleshooting techniques for your Synology NAS, see to it that it starts appearing on the Windows File Explorer. Just in case, it doesn’t, you are suggested to make your way to the troubleshooting section dedicated to Windows computers:
Troubleshooting on Windows Computer
1. Enable the NetBIOS Service
You can enable the NetBIOS Service on your computer to fix the Synology NAS that doesn’t appear on the Windows File Explorer issue. The steps to do so require you to launch the Control Panel and access the Network and Internet Settings. Once done, you have to locate the View Network Status and Tasks and click Change Adapter Settings.
The next thing you need to do is select the connection type used by you and change the corresponding settings. Choose the Internet Protocol Version 4 option under the list of items used by the connection. Go to the WINS tab via the Advanced button. Finally, Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP and hit the OK button on every window to bring changes into effect.
2. Re-enable the Network Discovery
Just in case the Local Master Browser is already enabled on your Synology NAS device, you are suggested to re-enable the Network Discovery on your computer. This can also be done through the Control Panel. Again go to the Network and Sharing Center under the Network and Internet Settings. Thence, click the Change Advanced Sharing Settings option.
Now, locate the Public Networks section and turn off the Network Discovery. You are required to turn on this option again. Doing so will clear the DNS cache on your Windows PC. Try to do Synology NAS login and see to it if the device has started appearing on the Windows File Explorer.
EndNote
This was all about what to do if the Synology NAS doesn’t appear on the Windows File Explorer. We hope that after following these tips you will be able to manage your storage device without any problem. However, if the problem persists, you need to check if the Synology NAS storage device and your computer are located on the same LAN (local area network) and subnet.
Apart from this, you can also attempt to temporarily disable antivirus software and firewall on your computer to fix the issue. Furthermore, using other Ethernet cables and switching ports can also bring you success in fixing the problem.
However, you need to press the Reset button present on the back panel of your Synology NAS device for 4 seconds if nothing works in your favor. It will reset the settings of your NAS. After that, connect your NAS directly to the PC through an Ethernet cable without including any third factor. You are required to set the PC’s wired LAN interface to DHCP. Once done, search for your Synology NAS in Windows File Explorer again. This time you’ll surely be successful.
